The Real Winners in the 2012 Presidential Election

Aside from President bama and former Gov. Romney, there were several other winners and losers in Tuesday’s election.  Many are obvious.  Some are not quite so obvious.

Here are some of the biggest winners, listed in no particular order:

Note:  This is Part 1.  Coming next, Part 2 will list the biggest losers.

BIGGEST WINNERS:

1.  Civil Rights Activists / Gay Rights Proponents — The prospect of a majority vote in support of gay marriage would have been utterly unthinkable a few years ago.  As recently as 2004, ballot measures on civil rights for all not only failed, but were cited as a key reason why former President George Bush mobilized his conservative voting base in some swing states and won re-election.  No more.  Last Tuesday, three states — including Maine, Maryland, and Washington — voted for ballot initiatives in support of gay marriage.  The historical significance of this victory cannot be overstated.  It’s the first time that a majority of voters (statewide) elected to support equal rights for gays.  And, it didn’t happen in just one state — it happened in three.  History will look back upon 2012 as a watershed year for true constitutional protection for all, much like 1964 was the key year for civil rights legislation.